Cannabis Chemical Protects the Brain From This Disease

THC, which is one of the active compounds of cannabis, has been proven to heal a variety of illnesses. Now a new study found that the chemical may be effective in eliminating a certain protein that causes Alzheimer’s disease.

When consumed, THC is absorbed by the body's cannabinoid receptors. These receptors bind with certain types of lipid molecules that enhance cell-to-cell signaling in the brain. This binding effect may help clear the brain out of toxic amyloid beta that causes dementia.

Recent studies have found that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active compound in marijuana, can promote the removal of toxic amyloid beta protein clumps in the brain. These toxic proteins are known to spur the progression of Alzeimher’s disease.

These findings support the results of previous studies that have proven that cannabinoids are effective in helping patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

“Although other studies have offered evidence that cannabinoids might be neuroprotective against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we believe our study is the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells,” says David Schubert from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California.

THC is a popular word among marijuana enthusiasts because it is responsible for the majority of marijuana’s psychological effects, including the high. THC has natural pain-relieving properties, and is effective in treating symptoms for everything from stroke and chemotherapy to chronic pain, post traumatic stress disorder, and HIV.